Device and method for reshaping mitral valve annulus

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods for reshaping a mitral valve annulus are provided. One preferred device is configured for deployment in the right atrium and is shaped to apply a force along the atrial septum. The device causes the atrial septum to deform and push the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve in a posterior direction for reducing mitral valve regurgitation. Another preferred device is deployed in the left ventricular outflow tract at a location adjacent the aortic valve. The device is expandable for urging the anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet. Another preferred device comprises a tether configured to be attached to opposing regions of the mitral valve annulus.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/324,293, filed Nov. 26, 2008, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 11/519,645, filed Sep. 11, 2006, which claims priority toProvisional Application No. 60/716,012, filed on Sep. 9, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to medical devices and methods and, moreparticularly, to medical devices and methods for repairing a defectivemitral valve in a human heart.

BACKGROUND

Heart valve regurgitation, or leakage from the outflow to the inflowside of a heart valve, occurs when a heart valve fails to closeproperly. Regurgitation often occurs in the mitral valve, locatedbetween the left atrium and left ventricle, or in the tricuspid valve,located between the right atrium and right ventricle. Regurgitationthrough the mitral valve is typically caused by changes in the geometricconfigurations of the left ventricle, papillary muscles and mitral valveannulus. Similarly, regurgitation through the tricuspid valve istypically caused by changes in the geometric configurations of the rightventricle, papillary muscles and tricuspid valve annulus. Thesegeometric alterations result in incomplete leaflet coaptation duringventricular systole, thereby producing regurgitation.

A variety of heart valve repair procedures have been proposed over theyears for treating heart valve regurgitation. With the use of currentsurgical techniques, it has been found that between 40% and 60% ofregurgitant heart valves can be repaired, depending on the surgeon'sexperience and the anatomic conditions present. The advantages of heartvalve repair over heart valve replacement are well documented. Theseadvantages include better preservation of cardiac function and reducedrisk of anticoagulant-related hemorrhage, thromboembolism andendocarditis. Although surgical techniques are typically effective fortreating heart valve regurgitation, due to age or health considerations,many patients cannot withstand the trauma associated with an open-heartsurgical procedure.

In recent years, a variety of new minimally invasive procedures forrepairing heart valves have been introduced. These minimally invasiveprocedures do not require opening the chest or the use ofcardiopulmonary by-pass. At least one of these procedures involvesintroducing an implant into the coronary sinus for remodeling the mitralannulus. The coronary sinus is a blood vessel commencing at the coronarysinus ostium in the right atrium and passing through theatrioventricular groove in close proximity to the posterior, lateral andmedial aspects of the mitral annulus. Because the coronary sinus ispositioned adjacent to the mitral valve annulus, an implant deployedwithin the coronary sinus may be used to apply a compressive force alonga posterior portion of the mitral annulus for improving leafletcoaption.

Although implants configured for use in the coronary sinus have shownpromising results, it has been found that this treatment may not beeffective for all patients. For example, in certain cases, the coronarysinus may be too weakened or fragile to support the implant. In othercases, due to variations in heart anatomy, the location of the coronarysinus may not be well-situated for treating the mitral valve. Forexample, the coronary sinus may be above or below the mitral valveannulus, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of the implant. In othercases, it has been found that deployment of the implant in the coronarysinus may impinge on the circumflex artery. Due to the limitationsassociated with existing treatment procedures, a need exists for stillfurther approaches for treating heart valve regurgitation in a minimallyinvasive manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide new devices andmethods for treating heart valve regurgitation. The devices and methodsare particularly well suited for treating mitral valve regurgitation ina minimally invasive manner.

In one preferred embodiment, an implantable body is configured fordeployment in the right atrium. The body is shaped to apply a lateralforce along the atrial septum at a location adjacent to the mitralvalve. The force causes the atrial septum to deform, thereby affectingthe anatomy on the left side of the heart. More particularly, bypressing on the atrial septum, the anterior leaflet of the mitral valveis pushed toward the posterior leaflet. The amount of force can beselected such that the anterior leaflet is pushed a sufficient amountfor closing the gap in the mitral valve and reducing or eliminatingmitral valve regurgitation.

One preferred device configured for this purpose generally comprises atleast one anchor member for anchoring the device relative to the rightatrium and a pusher member for engaging and pressing against the atrialseptum. The anchor member may comprise an expandable stent configuredfor deployment in the superior vena cava. If desired, the anchor membermay further comprise a second expandable stent configured for deploymentin the inferior vena cava. The pusher member is coupled to the first andsecond anchors. The pusher member may comprise a bow-shaped member.

In another preferred embodiment, a device is provided for placement inthe right ventricle. In one aspect, the device comprises a ring orU-shaped member that changes shape for pushing against the ventricularseptum.

In another preferred embodiment, an expandable stent is configured fordeployment in the left ventricular outflow tract. The expandable stentis adapted to exert a radial force for reshaping a mitral valve annulus,thereby moving an anterior leaflet of a mitral valve in a posteriordirection. The device is preferably deployed at a location adjacent theaortic valve and, more preferably, the device is deployed beneath theaortic valve. The stent may be configured with a protrusion to increasethe force applied along the portion of the LVOT that is adjacent to themitral valve. The stent may further comprise a valvular structure toprovide a prosthetic valve configured for replacing an aortic valve,thereby providing a device configured to treat the aortic valve andmitral valve simultaneously.

In another aspect, a method of reducing mitral valve regurgitationcomprises delivering an expandable body into the left ventricularoutflow tract, wherein the expandable body is configured to urge theanterior leaflet of a mitral valve toward the posterior leaflet of amitral valve, thereby improving leaflet coaption. In one variation, theexpandable body may comprise a stent configured to be delivered into theleft ventricular outflow tract in a minimally invasive manner. The stentis preferably delivered to a location in the left ventricular outflowtract just beneath the aortic valve.

In another preferred embodiment, a tether or other tension member isprovided for pulling the anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet.In one embodiment, the tether is located within the left ventricle. Inanother embodiment, the tether is located within the left atrium. Thetether is configured to pull opposing regions of tissue into closerproximity for reshaping the mitral valve annulus.

In another aspect, a method for repairing a mitral valve involvesproviding a repair device having a deployment mechanism forindependently applying first and second fastener elements to first andsecond regions of a mitral valve annulus. The repair device is used tograsp the first region of tissue with a vacuum force and then deploy afirst fastener element into the first region of tissue. The first regionof tissue is then disengaged from the repair device while leaving thefirst fastener element deployed therein. The repair device is then usedto grasp the second region of tissue with a vacuum force and then deploythe second fastener element into the second region of tissue. The secondregion of tissue is then disengaged. The first and second fastenerelements are then pulled together for reducing the distance between thefirst and second regions of tissue, thereby improving coaption of themitral valve leaflets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first cross-sectional view of a typical four-chamberedheart.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating forces pushingagainst a septum for reshaping a mitral valve annulus.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating one preferredmedical implant configured for applying a force along the atrial septum.

FIG. 3A is a schematic view illustrating the function of the implant ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 3B illustrates the force acting on the anterior leaflet for urgingthe anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating anotherpreferred medical implant configured for applying a force along theventricular septum.

FIG. 5 is a second cross-sectional view of a typical four-chamberedheart.

FIG. 6 illustrates an expandable stent deployed in the left ventricularoutflow tract for reshaping the mitral valve annulus.

FIG. 6A illustrates a preferred cross-section of an expandable stenthaving a protrusion configured to apply a force along the anteriorportion of the mitral valve annulus.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another approach for treating a mitral valvewherein a tether extends across the left ventricle at a location beneaththe mitral valve for improving mitral valve function.

FIG. 8 illustrates a tether attached to opposing regions of a mitralvalve annulus at a location above the mitral valve for improving mitralvalve function.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a preferred method of attaching a tether tothe mitral valve annulus.

FIGS. 8C through 8E illustrate various tether configurations forreshaping the mitral valve annulus.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative approach wherein one end of a tetheris attached to chordae within the left ventricle.

FIG. 10 illustrates a prosthetic valve for replacing a native aorticvalve and including a lower portion configured for reshaping the mitralvalve annulus.

FIG. 11 illustrates a stent deployed in the right ventricular outflowtract for improving tricuspid valve function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention depict medical implants andmethods of use that are well-suited for treating mitral valveregurgitation. It should be appreciated that the principles and aspectsof the embodiments disclosed and discussed herein are also applicable toother devices having different structures and functionalities. Forexample, certain structures and methods disclosed herein may also beapplicable to the treatment of other heart valves or other body organs.Furthermore, certain embodiments may also be used in conjunction withother medical devices or other procedures not explicitly disclosed.However, the manner of adapting the embodiments described herein tovarious other devices and functionalities will become apparent to thoseof skill in the art in view of the description that follows.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a four-chambered heart 10 is illustratedfor background purposes. On the left side of the heart, the mitral valve12 is located between the left atrium 14 and left ventricle 16. Themitral valve generally comprises two leaflets, an anterior leaflet and aposterior leaflet. The mitral valve leaflets are attached to a mitralvalve annulus 18, which is defined as the portion of tissue surroundingthe mitral valve orifice. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood fromthe pulmonary veins 20. The oxygenated blood that is collected in leftatrium enters into the left ventricle through the mitral valve 12.Contraction of the left ventricle forces blood through the aortic valveand into the aorta.

On the right side of the heart, the tricuspid valve 22 is locatedbetween the right atrium 24 and right ventricle 26. The right atriumreceives blood from the superior vena cava 30 and the inferior vena cava32. The superior vena cava 30 returns de-oxygenated blood from the upperpart of the body and the inferior vena cava 32 returns the de-oxygenatedblood from the lower part of the body. The right atrium also receivesblood from the heart muscle itself via the coronary sinus. The blood inthe right atrium enters into the right ventricle through the tricuspidvalve. Contraction of the right ventricle forces blood through thepulmonic valve and into the pulmonary trunk and then pulmonary arteries.The blood enters the lungs for oxygenation and is returned to the leftatrium via the pulmonary veins 20.

The left and right sides of the heart are separated by a wall generallyreferred to as a septum. The portion of the septum that separates thetwo upper chambers (the right and left atria) of the heart is termed theatrial (or interatrial) septum 36 while the portion of the septum thatlies between the two lower chambers (the right and left ventricles) ofthe heart is called the ventricular (or interventricular) septum 38.

On the left side of the heart, enlargement (i.e., dilation) of themitral valve annulus 18 can lead to regurgitation (i.e., reversal ofbloodflow) through the mitral valve 12. More particularly, when aposterior aspect of the mitral valve annulus 18 dilates, the posteriorleaflet may be displaced from the anterior leaflet. As a result, theanterior and posterior leaflets fail to close completely and blood iscapable of flowing backward through the resulting gap.

With reference now to FIG. 2, according to one aspect of the invention,a lateral force F₁ may be applied to the atrial septum 36 from withinthe right atrium 24 for altering the geometry of the mitral valveannulus on the left side of the heart. More particularly, the forceapplied along the atrial septum 36 may be used to reshape the mitralvalve annulus 18. The resulting change in shape causes the anteriorleaflet of the mitral valve to be located closer to the posteriorleaflet. The effect of this is to close the gap between the leaflets. Byclosing the gap, leaflet coaption is improved, thereby reducing oreliminating mitral valve regurgitation. In addition or alternatively, aforce F₂ may be applied to the ventricular septum 38 from within theright ventricle 26 to reshape the mitral valve annulus in a similarmanner. In either case, it is preferable that the force is applied tothe septum at a location close to the mitral valve annulus.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 through 3B, one preferred embodiment of amitral valve repair implant 100 is illustrated. The implant 100 isdeployed substantially within the right atrium 24 and is configured topress against the atrial septum 36, preferably along a lower portion ofthe atrial septum. One preferred embodiment of the implant 100comprises, generally, a first anchor 102, a second anchor 104 and apusher member 106. The first anchor 102 is preferably an expandablestent configured to expand within the superior vena cava 30, preferablyalong or adjacent to the ostium wherein the superior vena cava emptiesinto the right atrium. The second anchor 104 is preferably an expandablestent configured to expand in the inferior vena cava 32, preferablyalong or adjacent to the ostium wherein the inferior vena cava emptiesinto the right atrium. The superior and inferior vena cava are desirableanchoring points because the tissue in this region is relatively stableand non-compliant and thereby provides a suitable foundation foranchoring the implant 100. Although the illustrated embodiment comprisestwo anchors, it will be appreciated that a device may be provided withonly a single anchor while still remaining within the scope of thepresent invention.

The pusher member 106 preferably takes the form of an elongate bridgeextending between the first and second anchors. The pusher member maycomprise a curved or bow-shaped wire configured for contacting theatrial septum 36. The implant may be formed of any suitablebiocompatible material. In one embodiment, the pusher member 106 isformed at least in part from a shape memory material that bows outwardafter deployment. As illustrated, the pusher member is preferably shapedto extend along a path within the right atrium (e.g., along the wall)that minimizes adverse hemodynamic effects.

The pusher member 106 is configured for pushing against the atrialseptum after the implant 100 has been deployed. In one embodiment, aresorbable material may be used to hold the pusher member in acontracted position during delivery and deployment. However, over time,the material is resorbed such that the pusher member is allowed tolengthen, thereby causing the pusher member to bow outward.

Resorbable materials are those that, when implanted into a human body,are resorbed by the body by means of enzymatic degradation and also byactive absorption by blood cells and tissue cells of the human body.Examples of such resorbable materials are PDS (Polydioxanon), Pronova(Poly-hexafluoropropylen-VDF), Maxon (Polyglyconat), Dexon (polyglycolicacid) and Vicryl (Polyglactin). As explained in more detail below, aresorbable material may be used in combination with a shape memorymaterial, such as Nitinol, Elgiloy or spring steel to allow thesuperelastic material to return to a predetermined shape over a periodof time.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second anchors 102, 104 areboth generally cylindrically shaped members. The first and secondanchors 102, 104 each have a compressed state and an expanded state. Inthe compressed state, each of the first and second anchors has adiameter that is less than the diameter of the superior and inferiorvena cava, respectively. In the expanded state, each of the first andsecond anchors has a diameter that is preferably about equal to orgreater than the diameter of the section of vena cava to which eachanchor will be aligned. The anchors are preferably made from tubes ofshape memory material, such as, for example, Nitinol. However, theanchors 102, 104 may also be made from any other suitable material, suchas stainless steel. When the anchors are formed with stainless steel,the anchors may be deployed using a balloon catheter as known in theart. Although the anchor mechanisms take the form of stents for purposesof illustration, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of anchoringmechanisms may be used while remaining within the scope of theinvention.

With particular reference to FIG. 3A, the functionality of the implantis schematically illustrated. It can be seen that the implant 100 isdeployed in the right atrium 24 with the first anchor 102 expanded inthe superior vena cava 30 and the second anchor 104 deployed in theinferior vena cava 32. The pusher member 106 extends between the anchorsand is shaped for pressing against the atrial septum 36 for reshapingthe mitral valve annulus 18 on the left side of the heart. In otherwords, the implant 100 applies a force F₁ against the atrial septum.With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, it can be seen that the force F₁ istransferred through the atrial septum for pushing the anterior leaflet12A of the mitral valve 12 toward the posterior leaflet 12B.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an alternative device 200 is illustratedfor reshaping a mitral valve annulus. In this embodiment, the implant200 is configured for deployment within the right ventricle 26. In onepreferred embodiment, the device generally comprises a U-shaped member202 that is suitable for deployment in or adjacent to the tricuspidvalve 22. More particularly, the U-shaped member may extend around thechordae and/or papillary muscles of the tricuspid valve. In a mannersubstantially similar to that described above, the U-shaped member urgesthe ventricular septum outward for reshaping the mitral valve annulus 18and pushing the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve toward theposterior leaflet. Although a U-shaped member is shown for purposes ofillustration, any suitable force applying member may be used.

Although particular devices have been illustrated for purposes ofdiscussion, it will be appreciated that a variety of alternativemechanisms may be used to apply a force along the septum for reshapingthe mitral valve annulus. For example, in one alternative embodiment, anexpandable cage may be deployed in the right atrium for urging theatrial septum toward the left side of the heart, thereby moving theanterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet. Still further, it will beappreciated that the devices and methods described herein may also beused to treat the tricuspid valve. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that a substantially similar device may be deployed in theleft atrium (or left ventricle) for pushing the septum toward the rightside of the heart and improving coaption of the tricuspid leaflets.

To further enhance the ability to reshape the mitral valve annulus, animplant for pushing against the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve,such as the embodiments described above, may be used in combination withan implant deployed in the coronary sinus for pushing against theposterior leaflet of the mitral valve. One example of a deviceconfigured for deployment in the coronary sinus is described inApplicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 11/238,853, filed Sep. 28,2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Itwill be recognized that, by applying compressive forces to both theanterior and posterior sides of the mitral valve, the ability to improveleaflet coaption is further enhanced.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an alternative illustration of afour-chambered heart 10 is provided wherein all four heart valves can beseen. As discussed above, on the left side of the heart, the mitralvalve 12 is located between the left atrium 14 and left ventricle 16.The mitral valve generally comprises two leaflets, an anterior leaflet12A and a posterior leaflet 12B. Contraction of the left ventricleforces blood through the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and intothe aorta 19. The aortic valve 40 is located between the left ventricle16 and the aorta 19 for ensuring that blood flows in only one direction(i.e., from the left ventricle to the aorta). As used herein, the termleft ventricular outflow tract, or LVOT, is intended to generallyinclude the portion of the heart through which blood is channeled fromthe left ventricle to the aorta. The LVOT shall include the aortic valveannulus and the adjacent region extending below the aortic valveannulus. For purposes of this discussion, the LVOT shall also includethe portion of the ascending aorta adjacent to the aortic valve.

On the right side of the heart, the tricuspid valve 22 is locatedbetween the right atrium 24 and right ventricle 26. The right atriumreceives blood from the superior vena cava 30 and the inferior vena cava32. Contraction of the right ventricle forces blood through the rightventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and into the pulmonary arteries. Thepulmonic valve 28 is located between the right ventricle and thepulmonary trunk 29 for ensuring that blood flows in only one directionfrom the right ventricle to the pulmonary trunk. As used herein, theterm right ventricular outflow tract, or RVOT, generally includes thepulmonary valve annulus and the adjacent region extending below thepulmonary valve annulus.

With reference now to FIG. 6, another preferred embodiment of a medicalimplant 300 is illustrated for treating mitral valve regurgitation. Inthis embodiment, the implant 300 is configured for deployment within theLVOT at a location beneath the aortic valve. Due to the proximity of theLVOT with respect to the anterior portion of the mitral valve annulus,it has been found that the deployment of an implant within the LVOT maybe used to reshape the mitral valve annulus and thereby affect theposition of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. More particularly,the implant is configured to apply a force which pushes the anteriorleaflet 12A toward the posterior leaflet 12B for improving leafletcoaption in the mitral valve.

In one preferred embodiment, the implantable device 300 generallycomprises an expandable stent. The stent may be self-expanding orballoon-expandable. When a self-expanding stent is used, the stent ispreferably formed of a shape memory material and may be delivered usinga sheath. After reaching the treatment site, the stent is emitted fromthe sheath and is allowed to self expand. When a balloon-expandablestent is used, the stent is preferably formed of stainless steel. Thestent is crimped and placed over a deflated balloon provided on thedistal end portion of an elongate catheter. The distal end portion ofthe catheter is advanced to the treatment site and the balloon isinflated for expanding the stent within the LVOT. If desired, the stentmay further comprise engagement members, such as, for example, barbs orhooks, to enhance the securement of the stent at the treatment site. Asshown in FIG. 6A, if desired, the stent may be formed with a bulge orprotrusion 301 for increasing the force applied in the region of theanterior leaflet.

The implant 300 is preferably delivered to the treatment site using aminimally invasive procedure. In one preferred method of use, the deviceis inserted through the femoral artery and is advanced around the aorticarch to the treatment site. In another preferred method of use, thedevice is inserted into the femoral vein and is advanced from the rightside of the heart to the left side of the heart via a trans-septalprocedure. After reaching the left side of the heart, the device can bedeployed within the LVOT.

The implant 300 is preferably configured to expand to a diameter greaterthan the natural diameter of the LVOT. As a result of the expansion, anoutward force is applied along the LVOT. More particularly, a force isapplied along a region of tissue adjacent the anterior portion of themitral valve. The force urges the anterior leaflet toward the posteriorleaflet of the mitral valve for reducing or eliminating mitral valveregurgitation.

The device may be used alone or in combination with another therapeuticdevice, such as an implant configured for deployment within the coronarysinus. When used with an implant in the coronary sinus, compressiveforces may be applied along both the anterior and posterior portions ofthe mitral valve, thereby providing the clinician with an enhancedability to improve leaflet coaption and reduce mitral valveregurgitation.

With reference to FIG. 7, yet another device and method for treatingmitral valve regurgitation is schematically illustrated. In thisembodiment, a tether 320 or other tension member extends across aportion of the left ventricle for pulling the anterior and posteriormitral valve leaflets together. The tether may take the form of a suturewhich is passed through tissue along the walls of the left ventricle.One preferred device for deploying a suture or tether can be found inApplicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 10/389,721, filed Mar. 14,2003, now published as U.S. Publication No. 2004/0181238, the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference. In an alternative device,the tether may have barbs or other anchoring means for engaging thetissue. If necessary, more than one tether may be used for reshaping themitral valve annulus and improving leaflet coaption.

With reference to FIG. 8, yet another alternative approach isschematically illustrated for treating the mitral valve. In thisembodiment, a tether 330 or other elongate tension member extends acrossa portion of the left atrium for pulling the anterior and posteriormitral valve leaflets together. The tether is preferably attached toopposing regions of tissue on the mitral valve annulus. The tether maytake the form of a suture which is tied or otherwise fastened to thetissue along the mitral valve annulus.

In one method of delivering the tether, a repair device is providedwhich has a deployment mechanism for applying first and second fastenerelements to first and second regions of the mitral valve annulus. Thefirst region of tissue is grasped using the repair device and the firstfastener element 332 is deployed into the first region of tissue. Thefirst region of tissue is disengaged from the repair device whileleaving the first fastener element deployed therein. The second regionof tissue is then grasped using the repair device and the secondfastener element 334 is deployed into the second region of tissue. Thesecond region of tissue is disengaged from the repair device whileleaving the second fastener element deployed therein. The first andsecond fastener elements are attached by the tether 330. The tetherpulls the first and second fastener elements together for reducing thedistance between the first and second regions of tissue, therebyreshaping the mitral valve annulus. The tether is held in tension formaintaining the mitral valve annulus in the reshaped condition.

With reference to FIG. 8A, a more particular method of use will bedescribed in more detail. In this method, a distal end portion of atherapy catheter 336 is percutaneously advanced into the left atrium 14.The therapy catheter preferably includes a side vacuum port (not shown)for grasping tissue. After grasping the tissue on one side of the mitralvalve annulus, a needle is advanced from the catheter and through thetissue for advancing a first piece of suture through the tissue. Thetissue is then released and the procedure is repeated on the other sideof the annulus, thus creating a suture loop. As best shown in FIG. 8B, aclip or other fastener 338 is then advanced over the suture to hold theloop tight and the remaining suture is cut away and removed. The sutureloop and clip provide the tether for maintaining the mitral valveannulus in the reshaped condition.

With reference to FIG. 8C, a mitral valve 12 is illustrated wherein atether 330 has been secured to opposite sides of the mitral valveannulus along a central region of the mitral valve. The tether isattached with sufficient tension such that the mitral valve annulus isreshaped for improving coaption between the anterior leaflet 12A andposterior leaflet 12B. FIG. 8D illustrates an alternative approachwherein a tether 330A is secured to the posterior portion of the mitralvalve annulus adjacent to a P3 scallop. FIG. 8E illustrates anotheralternative configuration wherein a plurality of tethers 330, 330A, 330Bare provided. These various approaches are provided for purposes ofillustration; however, it will be appreciated that a variety ofalternative approaches may also be selected for treating a particulardefect.

With reference to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a tether 340 isillustrated wherein at least one end of the tether is configured forattachment to chordae.

With reference to FIG. 10, yet another approach for treating mitralvalve regurgitation comprises a prosthetic valve 360 configured fordeployment within the aortic valve annulus. The prosthetic valvepreferably includes an expandable stent portion and a valvular structuredisposed within the stent portion. The prosthetic valve is configured toreplace the function of the native aortic valve 40. The stent portion ofthe prosthetic valve is configured to extend below the aortic valveannulus and into the LVOT. The stent is shaped to apply a force alongthe region of tissue which separates the LVOT from the mitral valve. Theforce moves the anterior leaflet 12A of the mitral valve 12 toward theposterior leaflet 12B for improving leaflet coaption. In a preferredconfiguration, the stent portion includes a generally tubular uppersection which contains the valvular structure. If desired, the stentportion may include a flared lower portion 364 configured to engage andpush against the tissue of the LVOT, thereby more effectively alteringthe position of the anterior leaflet 12A. This embodiment advantageouslyprovides the clinician with the ability to treat both the aortic valveand the mitral valve with a single device. Addition details regardingthe structure and use of prosthetic valves can be found in Applicant'sU.S. Pat. No. 6,730,118, the contents of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

It will be recognized that the embodiments described above may also beused to treat a triscuspid valve in substantially similar manner. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 11, in an approach similar to thatdescribed with respect to FIG. 6, an expandable stent 300 may bedeployed in the RVOT for pushing against the anterior region of thetricuspid valve. Depending on the particular anatomy, this method may beused to advantageously treat tricuspid valve regurgitation. Furthermore,aspects of each of the other embodiments described herein may also beused to treat the triscuspid valve.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, but theinvention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications maybe made within the scope without departing from the subject matter ofthe invention read on the appended claims, the description of theinvention, and the accompanying drawings.

1. A method of improving mitral valve function, comprising: providing animplant having a first expandable anchor, a second expandable anchor anda curved pusher member extending between the first and second anchors;deploying the first expandable anchor in the superior vena cava;deploying the second expandable anchor in the inferior vena cava; andpushing the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve toward the posteriorleaflet by applying a lateral force along the atrial septum with thepusher member; wherein the lateral force is sufficient to improve thecoaption of the mitral valve leaflets, thereby improving mitral valvefunction.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and secondexpandable anchors comprise first and second expandable stents.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the first and second expandable stents areself-expandable.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first and secondexpandable stents are balloon expandable.
 5. A method of reducingregurgitation through a mitral valve, comprising: advancing a pushermember into a right atrium of a heart via a catheter; and manipulatingthe pusher member to apply a lateral force to an atrial septum forpushing the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve toward a posteriorleaflet of the mitral valve, thereby improving coaption of the mitralvalve leaflets.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein first and secondexpandable anchors are coupled to the pusher member.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the first and second expandable anchors comprise firstand second expandable stents.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein thefirst and second expandable stents are self-expandable.
 9. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the first and second expandable stents are balloonexpandable.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the first expandableanchor is deployed in the superior vena cava.
 11. The method of claim 6,wherein the second expandable anchor is deployed in the inferior venacava.
 12. The method of claim 6, wherein the pusher member bows outwardaway from the first and second expandable anchors with sufficient forceto push a lower portion of the atrial septum toward the left atrium.